While I was hoping to go into some detail with previews this year, having no cable service has put a bit of a damper on that.
So here's a round-up of some draft coverage:
TSN: Draftcentre | 2009 NHL Draft Tracker
Sportsnet: Spector's NHL draft notebook | Sportsnet.ca live NHL Draft chat
ESPN: Draft | 2009 NHL Entry Draft Preview (video with Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun)
CBS Sports: Draft Tracker
NHL.com: Phil Coffey's Draft blog
CBC: NHL Entry Draft Live Blog
Yahoo!: Live Coverage: NHL Draft 2009 in Montreal
On Twitter:
Darren Dreger (TSN)
Greg Wyshynski (Yahoo!)
James Mirtle (Globe and Mail)
hockeyfights.com: 2009 NHL draft thread
hockeyfights.com: Twitter | Facebook
A couple of quick notes:
- The Islanders did draft John Tavares first overall, despite what seemed like a massive Canadian media conspiracy to persuade Garth Snow and the team not to.
- Chris Pronger was traded from the Ducks to the Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and two first rounders. Has there ever been a player so highly-regarded who's played for so many teams?
If it's possible for me to update again, I will. If you're following the draft online somewhere not mentioned, feel free to leave a link in the comments.
Update 845pm: Ryan Dingle was included in the Pronger trade, going from the Ducks to the Flyers.
Robin Gomez found out there will be a part two to his sucker-punching trial. Chris Ferraro is now suing Gomez and RG Properties, the company that owns the Victoria Salmon Kings.
The criminal trial is on-going, and currently adjourned until June 29th.
Some recent updates from the Victoria News:
Judge admits hockey knowledge lacking in Gomez assault case
Judge Mike Hubbard has stopped testimony on numerous occasions to ask witnesses to explain such things as icing, off-side and penalty killing in the assault causing bodily harm trial of Gomez, 27.
Referee testifies Ferraro felt he was ‘untouchable’
The Crown questioned the 32-year-old referee of the game, Jason Nissen, who said he held Gomez in higher regard as a player than Ferraro, having referred both men numerous times before.
Watt asked Nissen if he felt Gomez was a “difficult” player to handle on the ice, to which Nissen said “no.”
Watt then asked Nissen if he thought Ferraro – who has previously played in the NHL – had an “attitude” and felt as if he was “untouchable” and “above the league”; to which Nissen agreed.
Laraque mocks proposed rule, focuses on safety
Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun update the status of the proposed “staged fight” misconduct. The players recommend to their competition committee members to vote against the rule.
Georges Laraque‘s been outspoken against the proposed rule from the first mention of it.
“It would turn into a mockery anyway because I would turn to a guy and say, ‘OK, we can’t fight right now because of the rule, so we’ll do six Mississippis and meet in the corner.’ It’s true, we would make a mockery out of it,” said Laraque.
Laraque said the players also discussed the mixed martial arts tactics that some fighters are bringing into the NHL; he singled out Brad Staubitz of the San Jose Sharks and his fight with Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators where it appeared Staubitz was connecting with his forearm instead of his fist, like MMA fighters.
“That’s an elbowing major, attempt to injure,” said Laraque. “That should be an automatic suspension. We’re totally against it.”
Videos added
Craig Coxe vs John Kordic Dec 2, 1987
Dave Hoyda vs John Wensink Feb 28, 1978
Keith Tkachuk vs Neil Wilkinson Oct 8, 1992
Ian Laperriere vs Ryane Clowe Jan 15, 2007
Warren Rychel vs Chris LiPuma Feb 22, 1993
Matt Walker vs George Parros Jan 16, 2007
Jeff Cowan vs Aaron Downey Jan 16, 2007
Some reads
Bright future on a big stage
Modano still coming back after coaching change
A great game and good times for NHL
No question off limits with Kadri
Offer to Lappy a slap shot in the face
Tampa Bay Lightning considering Adam Oates to coach the power play
Glitzy NHL award show won’t keep hockey alive in desert
No. 1 in NHL hit parade
THN at the NHL Awards: Is Vegas a viable hockey market?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2008-09 Stanley Cup champions. It was a great playoff season overall.
Some quick local coverage
Michigan Live: Maxime Talbot scores both goals as Penguins capture Stanley Cup with 2-1 win vs. Red Wings
The Detroit News: Woetown: Pens take Cup
The Detroit News: Wings fall at home in bid for second straight championship
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins hold on for win despite Crosby injury
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pass the Cup
Good.
Congrats to the Bears
The Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1 tonight to win the AHL Calder Cup.
What’s next?
The NHL draft is the next big hockey event. We plan on covering that, as well as the first day of free agency, which is about a week later.
As for the site, we’ll be expanding our archives. WHL 2003-04 was just made live. As always, if you notice any errors, please report them. The NHL archives will expand quite a bit soon. Videos will be added throughout the summer. Some pages will be cleaned up, some more content added, etc. I’ll be sure to announce the changes and additions as we go.
Videos added
Bob Nystrom vs Ryan Walter Mar 9, 1980
Ryan Walter vs Mike Milbury Apr 2, 1981
Behn Wilson vs John Smrke Mar 31, 1979
Rick Lanz vs Craig MacTavish Apr 2, 1986
Robyn Regehr vs Jason Smith Jan 20, 2007
Bryan Smolinski vs Marek Zidlicky Jan 20, 2007
Jared Boll vs Stephane Veilleux Oct 6, 2007
Paul Holmgren vs Larry Playfair Feb 27, 1980
Alan May vs Shane Churla Feb 9, 1993
Rob Ramage vs Chris Kotsopoulos Apr 16, 1987
Doug Janik vs Chris Thorburn Dec 18, 2007
Riley Cote vs Andrew Peters Dec 21, 2007
Some reads
A look at hockey’s handshake tradition at the Stanley Cup final
Laperriere nixes offer, likely to leave Avs
Bettman praiseworthy?
Keepers make sure Stanley’s safe wherever it goes
Will Emery need a net?
Florida Panthers’ Bill Torrey has the reins in search for new general manager
Ducks: Pronger trade rumors are false
Burns slowly returning to his dizzying workout pace
Drafting first doesn’t always net a winner
A best of seven is now a best of one, and unfortunately for the Penguins, the game will be played in Detroit. In a series where the home team has taken every game, it doesn’t bode well for the Pens.
Another thing that doesn’t help Pittsburgh is the timing. If it seems like the series started off with a bang and now seems stretched out, there’s a reason for that: after 4 games in 6 days, the final 3 will be played over 8 days.
As I’ve said from the start, I’ve been rooting for game 7 overtime. There is nothing in sports like Stanley Cup Final game 7 overtime. At least, so I think. The only time there’s been a game 7 overtime was when the Red Wings won the Cup against the Canadiens in 1954. Either way, if I get my wish, defibrillators and aspirin should be carted in to Joe Louis Arena.
Gomez trial about to begin
Robin Gomez is charged with assault causing bodily harm for an alleged sucker-punch on Chris Ferraro during an ECHL game on March 1, 2008.
Gomez has pleaded not guilty. Gomez played for the Victoria Salmon Kings. The team has not commented publicly about the incident.
The trial begins June 15th in Victoria.
Ferraro played for Las Vegas Wranglers at the time of the incident, and again this past season. Ferraro missed the rest of the 2007-08 regular season, but played in the playoffs.
Gomez played for the CHL‘s Oklahoma City Blazers in the 2008-09 season.
Videos added
Bob Probert vs Craig Coxe Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Dave Lowry Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Cam Neely Nov 11, 1985
Craig Coxe vs Bob Probert Nov 19, 1987
Craig Coxe vs Joey Kocur Nov 19, 1987
Todd Bertuzzi vs Craig Adams Mar 5, 2008
Ryan Callahan vs Tim Conboy Feb 28, 2008
James Wisniewski vs Corey Perry Feb 24, 2008
Ian Laperriere vs Mathieu Roy Feb 24, 2008
Cody McLeod vs Adam Burish Feb 17, 2008
Some read
Flyers opt for Emery over Biron
Doug Gilmour joins the Hamilton bandwagon
Players are traditionalists. Why doesn’t NHL listen?
Vinny talks trade
Summer of Georges
GMs shoot down ban on head hits
Penguins Sidney Crosby is a marketer’s dream
NHL Combine: Hockey’s annual science experiment
Free agency likely for Neil
Will Brashear Be Back?
I present the 2008-09 hockeyfights.com Awards.
As has been the case for the past few years, the awards are a collaborative effort by the hockeyfights.com content team headed up by Jon Porus. Tons of thanks to all of them.
Below are all our categories this season. Cast your vote and have your say.
The Red Wings continued to be comfortable at home, and are now going to Pittsburgh up 2-0 in the series. Maybe Marian Hossa made the right move after all.
Justin Abdelkader got another knuckleball past Marc-Andre Fleury. His insurance flutters have really helped the Wings flip to defense mode and lock down Sidney Crosby & co. The Wings D has been the biggest factor in this series so far.
One Pen who’s putting points on the board is Evgeni Malkin. After the end of last night’s game, he’s also the series PIM leader. If Vegas was crazy enough to put odds out on him fighting Henrik Zetterberg, there might be a few bankrupt sportsbooks right now. A frustrated Malkin went after Zetterberg, who took a while to get a glove off.
Malkin picked up an instigator from the play. NHL rule 47.22 calls for an automatic suspension any time a player receives an instigator within the last five minutes of a game, but will not be suspended. This is completely expected. The league has been pretty consistent about lifting the suspension for instances like this: close games, scorers on the ice, play seems non-premeditated. For some reason there’s confusion about this, and the rule itself is awful, but this is how it’s worked since the rule has been added.
Game 3 is Tuesday night, 8pm eastern.
Videos added
Evgeni Malkin vs Henrik Zetterberg May 31, 2009
Chris Nilan vs Tim Hunter May 18, 1986
Eric Boulton vs Wade Brookbank Mar 28, 2008
Boris Valabik vs Joe Corvo Mar 28, 2008
Martin Lapointe vs Tim Conboy Mar 16, 2008
Barry Nieckar vs Shane Churla Feb 11, 1995
Some reads
Bettman: ‘We’re fighting for Phoenix’
Fighting OK at Mooseheads training camp: Russell
The boys are back in town
The Red Wings jumped out for a 1-0 series lead last night.
The highlight of the game had to be Justin Abdelkader‘s absolutely ridiculous goal.
Game two is tonight. While the back-to-back games are for tv reasons, I think it’s great. It’s fun to see the Cup just fly out of the gate. Plus, it’ll be June tomorrow. Not a hockey month.
Whoops
I forgot to open up the Cup Finals preview yesterday, so that’s live now. Jamie and I both picked the Pens, so opening that late doesn’t do us any favors.
Videos added
Chris Simon vs Dan LaCouture Feb 26, 2009
Bryan Berard vs Branislav Mezei Feb 26, 2009
Chris Chelios vs Ron Hextall May 11, 1989
Duane Sutter vs Brian MacLellan May 10, 1989
Keith Jones vs Craig MacTavish Feb 22, 1996
Craig Berube vs Shawn Antoski Feb 22, 1996
Kevin Kaminski vs Shawn Antoski Feb 22, 1996
Dennis Vial vs Scott Thornton Dec 20, 1997
Derek Armstrong vs Darcy Tucker Dec 20, 1997
Tony Twist vs Nick Kypreos Dec 17, 1991
Kevin Maguire vs Lyndon Byers Nov 30, 1989
Ed Hospodar vs Kevin McClelland May 30, 1985
Brad Marsh vs Don Jackson May 30, 1985
Dave Brown vs Don Jackson May 30, 1985
The Penguins completed a sweep of the Hurricanes last night, and the Red Wings knocked off the Blackhawks tonight to finish the series in five. So after many game sevens the rounds before, the Conference Finals went quickly and now we’re left with a rematch of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. We’ll have one of our previews in the upcoming days.
Since 92-93 there have been only four Wings-Pens fights*:
Jay Caufield vs Bob Probert Nov 13, 1992
Marty McSorley vs Bob Probert from Feb 4, 1994
Darren McCarty vs Kelly Buchberger Oct 18, 2003
Brad Norton vs Andre Roy Oct 7, 2006
In case you only watch one, the McSorley-Probert fight is one of the best of all-time, easy.
* there were a couple of more fights during preseason
Steroids, you say
If you’ve never watched football, or the Olympics, or baseball, or cycling, or basically any sport or athletic competition at a serious level, let me break some news to you: some athletes use steroids. Shocking, I know.
A couple in Florida was arrested for selling steroids. They claim they sold them to many pro athletes, and specifically named the Nats and Caps.
The NHL and the Capitals quickly released statements. The quick and easy version of them: “Steroids? Nah.” Donald Brashear said he knew of nothing to Washington radio station WJFK.
So now the “there are steroids in hockey, too” articles are coming out, and I’m sure there will be a new round of suspicions, just as there was four years ago during the NHL lockout.
The tough guys will be called out, due to the misconception that steroids are just for making you big and strong, but that’s simply not true. While Manny Ramirez and other sluggers may get the biggest steroids-related baseball headlines, a look at MLB’s suspension list (or the minor league suspension list), lets you know that this isn’t a power thing, but that all types (and sizes) of players are possible users. It’s just the harsh reality of it. Some fans care, some don’t. Personally, I happen to like a level playing field.
Videos added
Keith Primeau vs Shane Churla Dec 19, 1992
Jim Kyte vs Marty McSorley Oct 10, 1985
Robert Dirk vs Kelly Chase Nov 26, 1992
Dave Brown vs Kelly Buchberger May 17, 1987
Dave Manson vs Gerald Diduck Dec 3, 1992
Kelly Buchberger vs Sergio Momesso Dec 3, 1992
Louie Debrusk vs Gino Odjick Dec 3, 1992
Shayne Corson vs Dana Murzyn Dec 3, 1992
Craig Muni vs Adrien Plavsic Dec 3, 1992
Louie Debrusk vs Gerald Diduck Dec 3, 1992
Get social
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Some reads
Former Red Wing Bob Probert insists that telling Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews to kick the Wings’ [butts] was a joke
Judge speeds up Coyotes timetable | Rival bid for Coyotes backed by big money
Fenway Rink: Bruins owner expects game at Sox home
Roy says no to Avalanche
Hall won’t note Arbour’s 2007 win with Isles
Rob Niedermayer talks but has few answers
Focus on Waddell as Thrashers enter critical off-season
The Hurricanes made the mistake of playing a pretty open game against the Penguins last night. Evgeni Malkin netted a hat trick and an assist on the way to a 7-4 Pens win.
Things got rough at the end of the game. A frustrated Hurricanes team wasn’t going to go away quietly. After Kris Letang took a stick to the face from Ryan Bayda, Tim Gleason grabbed Letang out of a scrum and started tossing at will, just in case his face didn’t hurt enough from Bayda’s stick. Patrick Eaves also took some from Miroslav Satan. Really. I’m not making that last part up, it’s in the video. Being in NY, I get Versus, but I hope to add the TSN feed as well as I was told Gord Miller gave the site a mention, always fun.
Both series are now 2-0. The Blackhawks take on the Red Wings again tonight, this time in Chicago.
Videos added
Patrick Eaves vs Miroslav Satan May 21, 2009
Tim Gleason vs Kristopher Letang May 21, 2009
Chris Murray vs Dennis Bonvie Nov 15, 1998
Matt Stefanishion vs Scott McCulloch May 14, 2009
Lance Galbraith vs Steve Makway May 14, 2009
Some reads
Red Wings’ Brett Lebda relishes return to Chicago
Another possible bid for Coyotes
Balsillie belts out O Canada while trying to feather own nest
Flyers Richards, Briere recovering from injuries
Which option will Islanders choose for NHL draft?
Lightning still trying to hire Jacques Lemaire
Second Jackets broadcaster goes off the air
With the Red Wings winning in OT last night and taking a 2-0 lead in the series against the Blackhawks, we’ve moved one step closer to a Stanley Cup Finals rematch between the Wings and the Pens. The NHL can’t be upset with that, although a Chicago comeback would top off the Second City market revival nicely.
Forbes has declared the Blackhawks the greatest sports-business turnaround ever, and it’s hard to disagree.
Win your own fight
millitary.com’s fitness blog has an entry and video related to hockey fights: Every fight in a hockey game is a close quarters combat scenario. It uses the in-close concept of a hockey fight for tips to handling an anywhere-fight. We commonly post about players in hockey using outside concepts to help them win fights on-ice, so I thought it’d be interesting to link up the flip-side.
A return
ESPN’s Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, professes his renewed love for the NHL. It should come as no surprise when his reasons include the Bruins winning and fighting numbers ticking upwards.
A night off
No NHL tonight, but there is a Memorial Cup game, Rimouski at Drummondville. It’s on Sportsnet in Canada and the NHL Network in the States.
Videos added
Kris King vs Michel Petit Dec 20, 1997
Dominic Roussel vs Sean Burke Feb 24, 1993
Dmitri Yushkevich vs Jim McKenzie Feb 24, 1993
P.J. Stock vs Jeremy Stevenson Feb 4, 1998
Dennis Vial vs Stu Grimson Dec 16, 1997
Sébastien Piché vs Adam Henrique May 17, 2009
Logan MacMillan vs Jesse Blacker May 17, 2009
Some reads
Ex-Hawk, Wing Probert is in Chicago’s Corner
Hockey Star Sean Avery Drops the Puck for Boozy Offseason at New Tribeca Bar
Enter sandpaper man McClelland
Calm Avery makes better visit to NHL headquarters
It’s a Great Time to be a Blackhawks Fan
Justin Bourne’s Blog: Youth movement bad for beards, great for game
Matt Cooke is a standup guy who never contradicts himself
A pair of Game 7’s are on the way. Despite another spirited outing from Carolina’s surprisingly faithful fans, the Bruins were able to hurt the ‘Canes on the scoreboard early and often on Tuesday night and forced a seventh and deciding game that will take place this Thursday.
The Ducks and Wings will join them. In an ending that you had to see to believe, Anaheim held off a late rally from Detroit. Jonas Hiller made one of the biggest saves of the playoffs thus far and the game ended with a line brawl.
Ryan Getzlaf and Marian Hossa got into it as the horn sounded to end the game. Getzlaf threw some gloved punches at Hossa while everyone else paired off. Corey Perry beat on Brian Rafalski while Getzlaf and Hossa continued to try and get at each other. Scott Niedermayer and Pavel Datsyuk of all people also dropped the gloves and received majors.
The ever-exciting Caps-Pens series will conclude tomorrow night as well. Playoff hockey… what more could you ask for?
Videos added
Pavel Datsyuk vs Scott Niedermayer May 12, 2009
Brian Rafalski vs Corey Perry May 12, 2009
Tie Domi vs Sandy McCarthy Jan 7, 1997
Eric Cairns vs Jeff Odgers Mar 1, 2002
Some reads
SI’s Best & Worst Owners
League to Gillett: quiet, please
Hockey’s bonfire of the bankruptcies
Ward: Canes’ version of punch ‘a joke’
Burke scoffs at Tampa trade talk
NHL hidden in plain sight on Versus
Westgate City Center says no to Coyotes rally
Fighting in playoffs fashionable again | Fight for the Cup is featuring more punches
Some great hockey last night. The Capitals and Penguins are delivering on every level. Fun, exciting hockey and close, close games. Last night’s was the third game to go to overtime. Dave Steckel‘s game-winner forces a game seven. May game seven also go into overtime. Good for hockey fans, good for the defibrillator industry.
The Blackhawks took game six and the series from the Canucks. A game that gradually turned into an 80s-style shootout, was a blast to watch. The Western Conference finals should be good no matter which opponent Chicago winds up with. Anaheim will continue the rough road to the Cup for the Hawks, while a series against Detroit could reignite one of the NHL’s oldest rivalries.
Brashear’s Caps days done?
Shelly Anderson drops this rumor about Donald Brashear in her latest chat transcript:
Winger and enforcer Donald Brashear has completed his six-game NHL suspension and was part of the morning skate today, but Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said yesterday he doesn’t see how he could work Brashear into the lineup for a game like this. He’s the type of player you might want to use early in a series that you expect will be physical. Word in Washington is that Brashear might very well have played his last game as a Capital, regardless of whether the team can come back to beat the Penguins.
Brash has become very popular very fast in his three years in DC. He’s played 220 games, accumulating 25 points and 37 fighting majors during that time.
Videos added
Scott Walker vs Aaron Ward May 10, 2009
Tim Conboy vs Mark Stuart May 10, 2009
Dale Kushner vs Steve Thomas Feb 1, 1992
Kent Huskins vs Ben Guite Feb 12, 2008
Ryan Getzlaf vs Ian Laperriere Feb 12, 2008
Brian Sutherby vs Cody McLeod Feb 12, 2008
Some reads
Scott Walker Not Suspended
Coyotes to challenge antitrust laws
Praise for Roy in bid for job
Thrashers not moving from Atlanta, owner says
The TV magic behind Hockey Night in Canada
Kaminski a killer coach in CHL
Reporter Sees Rat, Freaks Out In Exact Highly Amusing Way You’d Expect
Here’s hoping Phoenix will rise in Canada
Habs fans can just sit, watch and wonder
From policeman on the ice to policeman in real life — Sault resident Jeremy Stevenson adjusting fine to life after the limelight
Emery? Flyers can’t be serious
Pour Georges Laraque, les joueurs ne connaissent pas la vraie pression
Sports on the Air: NHL falls behind in ratings race
Leafs’ secret ‘stache’ in Mitchell